Places to visit in India

Delhi
Delhi - the capital of India - is also its seat of power. One of India's fastest growing cities, Delhi has spread far beyond the "seven cities", created between the 13th and the 17th centuries. It has sprawled over the west bank of the river Yamuna, straddling the river. Delhi has some of the finest museums in the country. Its boutiques and shopping arcades offer access to a wealth of traditional and contemporary crafts, from all over the country. Major attractions include: India Gate, Red Fort/Lal Qila, Old Delhi, Jantar Mantar, Purana Qila, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Raj Ghat, Humayun's Tomb & Parliament House.

Agra
No tour in India can be complete without paying a visit to this erstwhile Mughgal city of Agra, the home of Taj Mahal, world's most beloved monument. With its laid -back lifestyle and its immense wealth of architecture, handicrafts and jewellery, Agra is amongst the most remarkable citys of the world. In terms of ambiance, it is still associated with its Mughal period led by Babur, who arrived in 1526. Agra grew in prominence under the rule of Akbar, Shah Jehan and Jehangir. It was in Akbar’s rule that Agra became a leading centre of art, science, commerce and culture. Major attractions include: Agra Fort, Taj Mahal, Ram Bagh, Tomb of Mariam Zamani, Dayal Bagh Temple, Chini ka Rauza & Octagonal Tower.

Jaipur
The capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is not only the gateway to the state, it is also the most natural place to begin a discovery of Rajasthan's multifaceted attractions. As a city, Jaipur is fairly young, less than 3 centuries old. It was laid out by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II of the Kachchawaha dynasty from Amber, which lies less than 10 km far away from the main city. Major attractions include: Amber Place, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal, Jantar Mantar & City Palace.

Varanasi
Varanasi, also known as Benaras, is one of the holiest pilgrimage sites in India. Situated on the bank of sacred river Ganges, Varanasi has been a centre of learning and civilization for over 2,000 years. Besides being a pilgrimage centre, it is considered as an auspicious place to die, ensuring an instant route to Heaven. Apart from Hinduism, it is also an important pilgrimage centre for Buddhists as it was at Sarnath (10 km from Varanasi), where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after enlightenment. It is among the oldest living cities in the world. Thousands of devotees come daily to Varanasi to take a ritual dip in the river Ganga, to cleanse their souls of sins and to worship in it's many temples.Major attractions include: Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque, Durga Temple, Bharat Mata Temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Varanasi Ghats, Benaras Hindu University, Jantar Mantar & Sarnath.

Darjeeling
Straddling a ridge at 2134m and surrounded by tea plantations, Darjeeling has been a popular hill-station in India. It is a fascinating place where you can visit Buddhist monasteries; go trekking to high-altitude spots for closer views of Kanchanjunga. Darjeeling’s famous toy train has been looping its way up the steep mountainsides from the lowland areas. Major attractions include: Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Himalayan Zoological Park, Natural History Museum, Lloyd Botanical Gardens, Victoria Falls, Japanese Temple, Batasia Loop and War Memorial, Tiger Hill, Samtencholing Monastery, Ghoom & Drukpa Kargyud Monastery.

Sikkim
Sikkim, the best-kept secret in the eastern Himalayas, is nestled between Nepal, China (Tibet), Bhutan & India. It is the ultimate Paradise for Botanist and plant lovers with over 4000 species of flowering plants, including an incredible 600 species of Orchid. For adventure lovers, the unrivalled trekking trails offer verdant forests, rhododendron-covered hillsides, remote monasteries, glaciers, high passes and magnificent mountain views. Kanchanjunga (8435m), the third highest mountain in the world lies in this small state of Sikkim. Major attractions include: Gangtok, Tsuklakhang (The Royal Chapel), Pemayangtse Monastery, Enchey Monastery, Rumtek Monastery, Tsomgu Lake, Yumthang & Pelling.